There Goes The Neighborhood...

A few weeks ago I looked out from the window to see this staring back at me:

One of the most basic tenets in microeconomics is de gustibus non est disputandum (there's no accounting for taste). And yet, I still can't help but shake my head in wonder. Who on earth thought that red brick, yellow stucco and white stone would work well together? I believe this is one of those examples of more being just way too much.

Fortunately though, there are two empty lots between us and them and in but a few short years (perhaps even less), I won't have to look at it. After all, even if I advocate a live and let live attitude towards design, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed that I also have to live with it.

Lepidolite Crystal Stone

Discovered in the eighteenth century, it is not a typical gemstone, but a very beautiful purplish type of mica that contains a substantial portion of lithium and is the Earth’s most common lithium-bearing mineral. Lepidolite is from the Greek ‘lepidos’, meaning ‘scale’, and ‘lithos’, meaning ‘stone’. Lepidolite was uncommon mica but in recent years Brazilian finds have made it much more available on the mineral market. Lepidolite, like other micas, has a layered structure of lithium aluminum silicate sheets weakly bonded together by layers of potassium ions. These potassium ion layers produce the perfect cleavage.

The typical violet to pink color of Lepidolite is characteristic and is the only field test available to identify Lepidolite from other micas. Pink muscovite or very pale Lepidolite may confuse identification. Since Lepidolite colors can be confusing, a melting and flame test is desirable if there is any reason - such as the presence of colored tourmalines or of other lithium minerals for suspecting mica to be Lepidolite, rather than the commoner muscovite. The fluorescence and flame tests will also distinguish some of the more intensely colored chromium chiorites, dumortierite, and similar hydrous silicates.

Lepidolite crystals accompany other lithium bearing minerals such as tourmaline, amblygonite and spodumene. Lepidolite crystals can add character and value of these specimens. Crystals can be tabular or prismatic crystals with a prominent pinacoid termination. Lepidolite's four prism faces and two pinacoid faces form pseudo-hexagonal crystal "books". Well developed crystals with a Sharp hexagonal outline are rare. The sides of the crystal often tend to taper. Sometimes borders ordinary muscovite mica, but the cleavage flakes are not quite continuous. Commonly occurs in medium to fine-grained aggregates; One- to two-inch crystals, tapering down to a slender point and more prismatic than tabular, occur at some localities.

Traditional properties of Lepidolite include protection from outside influences, relieve everyday stress, and promote restful sleep when placed near your pillow, attracts good luck and drives away negativity.

Lepidolite provided by Panther Creek Minerals, San Antonio, Texas.
Researched from various websites, mineral-rock-gem and crystal books.

Quiet Indulgences

My favorite form of shopping therapy has always been purchasing perfumes and candles. There's just something about a gorgeous scent that's pure escapism. And just as relaxing, while there are certainly some pricey fragrances available on the market, these small indulgences don't have to be a big hit to my budget.

Right now, I'm enjoying designer Barbara Barry's home fragrance collection, which comes in four unique scents designed to suit four separate rooms in your house (powder room, dining room, bedroom, and living room. It also doesn't hurt that all of Barry's products are gorgeously packaged and feature Barry's own watercolors of her own furniture (including the amazing bracelet chair). My favorite product is the bedroom linen spray which is a wonderfully soothing combination of vanilla and nutmeg. The scent instantly perks up my sheets, even if they aren't straight out of the dryer.

Prices range from $30 to $34, which is a steal considering the sheer enjoyment I get from Barry's scents. And so, while I may not be able to afford Barry's scallop pendant that I've been coveting (let alone her design services!) for the cost of a dinner out I can add just that extra little something to my bedroom (or powder room or living room...).

While I'm at it, here are a few more gratuitous shots of some of Barry's design work. While Barry is an unapologetic devotee of neutral color palettes, her use of textures, an interesting mix of modern and traditional design and bold shots of metallic make her rooms far glamorous and very, very rich.

Photographs courtesy of Metropolitan Home and Barbara Barry.

Socially Responsible: Fashionably Fabulous

If you have seen the film “Blood Diamond,” you will know that diamonds have a history of causing both social and environmental damages. While the diamond industry has remained secretive, many consumers are now aware of the social and environmental impacts diamonds can have due to films and the internet. The diamond market is a monopoly as it is controlled by one major company with very few competitors. This company controls the availability of diamonds to the public and therefore the price. The company has the ability to make diamonds appear rare and special. Commercials and society only perpetuate and regurgitate this idea. Diamond jewelry sets sell for way over their actual worth. Here is a Cubic Zirconia Jewelry set that looks extremely similar to a diamond jewelry set that would be very expensive and possibly very detrimental in several ways.

Cubic Zirconia jewelry is just as beautiful, but does not hold the same connotations as diamonds in society because they do not have the reputation of being rare or special. However, savvy consumers know that jewelry is more than showing off. CZ jewelry is affordable and socially responsible as it does not have any of the same impacts that diamonds can have socially and environmentally. Jewelry should represent something more than just status and wealth. Jewelry is often bought to mark or celebrate a special event like a graduation, marriage, a wedding anniversary, or Christmas. Giving jewelry should be more of a symbol of love and affection than a status symbol. Fortunately more and more consumers are looking for companies that allow them to reflect their interests and social responsibility. More consumers are looking towards homemade jewelry, recycled jewelry, and fair trade jewelry. These options have many beautiful styles that will have you feeling great not only about how you look, but also about your socially responsible choices.

The Perfect Accessory for your Holiday Party

It's never too early to start thinking about what you'll be wearing to all those holiday parties. From work soirees to family gatherings and nights out with friends, winter calendars fill up quickly with all kinds of events and excuses to get together and get dressed up. But this year, it's going to be more about understated elegance and a return to basics as women pinch pennies and opt for fashion and jewelry that is affordable as well as stylish. Some of the best (and least expensive) accessories for looking fab are cubic zirconia rings.
CZ rings are fun, flirty and festive for the holidays. They work well with cocktail attire like a LBD, velvet pantsuit or blouse and skirt combination. Cubic zirconia rings add a dab of color and spontaneity to any outfit, while not being too over the top, like some hard to wear trends. Plus, cubic zirconia rings are a welcome escape from other pieces of jewelry that might cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. What's great is that these CZ rings look almost identical to the real thing. Plus, with a budget friendly price tag, you might be able to afford more than one.

Our top picks of CZ rings for the up and coming holiday season include those that use bold color. Go for a ring set in gold tone and accented with a giant gem in red, green, blue or black. This is the perfect go-to accessory for an office Christmas party, a family gathering or a cocktail reception. CZ rings are great for dressing up an outfit and keeping your pocketbook in check. So plan ahead and start scooping up CZ jewelry for the season ahead. You'll get the best selection now, plus you can even start wearing these accessories right away.

Wire Wrapped Ex-Large Pendants

I got the challenge from Panther Creek Minerals to wire wrap several very large agate slices. It was a little challenging, because I hadn’t ever taken on such large pendant sizes to wire wrap; but I did succeed and these are the results. Each Brazilian ex-large agate slice pendant has been carefully handcrafted with either non-tarnish artistic silver or bronze wire.










Agates: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, awakening talents.

Baby Steps

Over the weekend a few more small projects got done around the new house I thought I'd share with you.

Dave assembled and hung the Murano glass chandelier knockoff I purchased months ago up in my study. Given the height of the ceiling in that room, this was no mean feat and took much of the afternoon. The chandelier replaces the builder basic flush mount fixture and adds a ton of sparkle to the space. All the basics are in the room and I've added a few fun throw pillows (also from ZGallerie), but I still need to find some good storage solutions to really make the space functional as an office. In particularly, I'm looking for file drawers that can double as a side table (as just about the only floor space left for storage is on either side of the daybed). Any suggestions?

The benches for the breakfast nook arrived and I'm really happy with how they turned out. I was also relieved to see that they fit the back wall perfectly -- I'm not known for my arithmetic skills! The fabric I chose for the benches is actually a Sunbrella fabric, which I figured would stand up to regular use and kitchen messes better than ordinary fabric. I'm thinking about sprucing up the benches by whipping up a few throw pillows out of these placemats (weird, I know, but this fabric isn't available by the yard or in pillow form and the blues work perfectly!). Of course the existing table I had envisioned on using for this space doesn't work with the benches and I need to purchase a pedestal table for the room. I'm contemplating this table from Crate&Barrel but I'm not in love with it, especially for the price. Again, suggestions welcome.

A few weeks ago I spied some lovely sea fans mounted on navy and sea blue linen for sale on One Kings Lane (email me for an invite!) and purchased four on impulse. They arrived on Friday and I'm thrilled with how lovely they are in person -- the dark bamboo frames in particular are very striking, but I also love how the sea fans mounted on the navy linen are painted silver...all in all, I'm one satisfied customer. In any case, I decided to mount them as a group in one of the two "art niches" that I permitted to stay in the building plans (they had about 6 in total!). They're now happily located under the archway that leads from the entry into the family room. I'm thinking about painting out the niche in a color. The question though is, what color? I have some leftover Drawing Room Blue, Parma Gray, Lamp Room Gray, and RL's Iron Gate from the other projects. Do you think any of those would work? Or do you suggest a bold contrasting color (maybe coral?)?

And what about you? How was your weekend? Did you get any projects done around the house?

Jewelry Sets: Your Formal Event Back-up

In these days, even the worst accessory shopper can look amazing in hot, trendy jewelry. There are some shoppers who have a real hard time mixing and matching accessories and dealing with outfit choices. If you are afraid to mix and match your own outfits and jewelry, try purchasing jewelry sets! They are the best option for finding jewelry that is not too expensive, but is also not cheap looking. The great thing about jewelry sets is that you can wear each part separately if you so choose. However, if you are in a rush or are too lazy to mix and match, you can always throw on your jewelry set and look as polished as anyone else, maybe even more so. Penelope Cruz looks absolutely stunning below in very simple jewelry. The simplicity of these pieces is what makes them so beautiful. This is just one style of jewelry sets.

Jewelry sets come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and styles these days. High end jewelry sets are studded with diamonds and other pricy jewels, but there are many cubic zirconia jewelry sets that look just as glamorous as the jewelry pieces with the real jewels. CZ jewelry is becoming more and more popular these days due to the state of the economy and wide availability of CZ jewelry. There are beautiful colored gemstones available for jewelry sets, but you can also vouch for sterling silver jewelry sets, as well as pearl jewelry sets. Many celebrities opt to wear jewelry sets to red carpet events. Here Cameron Diaz is seen wearing a vibrant turquoise jewelry set proving that jewelry sets are not strictly limited to sparkly gems. They come in a variety of styles. If you are ever in a bind for a formal event and don’t know how to accessorize, consider jewelry sets as your option!

Leftover Turquoise Pieces

Every wonder what happens to the leftover Turquoise pieces; left on the floors and scattered around many mining and cutting lapidary company….maybe the answer is in this strand of Turquoise disks. A mix and maze of different Turquoise pieces ranging in color from blue to green and beautifully matrixes in brown, black, rust, cream, yellow, and even green and blue. The disks are cut in a rough hex, stabilized and graduated to form stunning bead structures.

This design takes that stunning mixture and highlights it with Onyx, sterling silver spacers and toggle; mounds of Turquoise in dangle hoops can be worn with the necklace or accented with other pieces.

Uniquely handcrafted custom natural stone jewelry, browse and purchase from our website.

Mystery Gem or Mis-Mash

I found this to be an interesting tidbit from the Color Stone Newsletter’s ‘mystery gem game’; is it a mis-mash or astronomy phenomenon? To find out more, read on……

Suddenly gems with multiple personalities are becoming all the rage and gemologists are as baffled by their identities as psychologists might be by patients with multiple personalities. This gem displays evidence of at least eight distinct mineral strains in its complex makeup. What is this gem’s marketing name, and why are we featuring it? Here’s a clue: study the picture of the gem and determine what sky-watcher’s phenomenon it reminds you of.

If you’re familiar with astronomy, you’ll notice a more than subjective resemblance between the black body color and orb-covered patterned surface of this gem and what are known as spiral nebulae. Hence the stone was named "nebula stone" by its discoverers Karen and Ron Nurnberg, who lucked upon it during a camping trip in southern Mexico in 1994. To this day, theirs is the only known deposit of this ornamental rock. So don’t ask them for directions to the mining site. We had to beg for the vague locality information contained here. Of course, you’re wondering about the stone’s gemological identity. Well, so are the mineralogists who have studied the stone and found traces of quartz, four feldspars (riebeckite, arfedsonite, anorthoclase and aegirine), acmite, calcite and zircon. No wonder an undecided classification debate is on for this gem. Is it, like unakite, a partial feldspar that acts as a kind of foster father for this material? We thought so, and decided to use it as a poster child for the very strange alkali branch of the feldspar family—a huge, sprawling gem group.

Reprinted from Colored Stones Newsletter

Wild Horse Crystals & Turquoise Mixed Design

Another new design for our fall collection! This one is a beauty in Wild Horse Magnesite disks, accented by hex light Topaz crystals and gold-tone spacers and hanging from the center is a brown matrix Turquoise cross, handcrafted bail in non-tarnish brass wire. Wear it long or short with the extender and matching dangle earrings.

Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

Magnesite: Promotes original and dynamic ideas. Instills peace, good for meditation, eliminate self-deceit and stimulate passion.

Custom handcrafted natural gemstone designs, visit and shop our website!

Guest Post on Guest Room Redesign

Want to read about my plans for transforming this orange and tan study into a fun and modern guest room? Head on over to A 'Lil Welsh Rarebit, to read all about my proposed design plans for Christy's guest bedroom and vote for your favorite plan. This is my first stab at decorating for someone else and it was definitely a lot harder than I expected. But, while incorporating someone else's tastes, needs and budget while still staying true to "my style" proved to be quite a challenge, I'm happy with how both design plans turned out.

In other unrelated blogging happenings, I was flattered to receive the "Honest Scrap" award this week from Laura over at JourneyChic and Sarah at Real Estate Style -- thanks so much, ladies! Upon receiving this award, I've been instructed to share "10 Honest Things" about myself and then present this award on to 7 of my favorite bloggers (who makes these rules up, by the way?).

So here are 10 "honest" things about me:

1. In high school, I missed my senior prom to participate in an economics competition run by the Federal Reserve Bank in D.C. We didn't win, but I still don't regret not attending my prom.

2. I met my husband Dave on Match.com while I was a law student at the University of Texas. He was a graduate student in electrical engineering and we lived mere blocks from each other. Despite attending the same school and living so close to each other though, I doubt our paths would've crossed without the intervention of the WWW.

3. I have one sister, Jane, who is 15 months younger than me. She is the only person in my immediate family who is not an attorney (she's a licensed counselor) and I'm so proud of her for that.

4. I'm 6' tall in flat feet, but I graduated high school at 5'10". Imagine my dismay in college when I managed to grow another two inches.

5. In college (long story short) I somehow found myself hosting a debate about Nostradamus that appeared on the Discovery Channel. Rumor has it that this very low budget production can still be seen occasionally in the wee hours of the morning.

6. My college roommate met my cousin at my wedding. Six months later they were engaged, they got married in June of 2008 and are expecting their first child in December. Talk about fast forwarding.

7. My undergraduate degree is in Classical Civilization, but I've had a fascination with Greco-Roman culture, art, and history since childhood. I recall specifically loving Greek mythology and Pompeii (I must've watched the National Geographic special on Pompeii 100 times...).

8. I could barely read until the third grade and struggled in school until I was 9 or 10. Definitely a late bloomer.

9. I'm a perfectionist. I'm also stubborn, bossy and I like having my own way. [Being honest necessitates at least one negative bullet on the list, no?]

10. As a kid, I wanted to be an artist when I grew up -- specifically, I wanted to be a animator for Disney. I stopped drawing when I entered high school, but I've always had a creative hobby, be it scrapbooking, crafting, or (like now) decorating/design.

In the spirit of "paying it forward", I'm passing this award along to seven of my own favorite blogs:

Chinoiserie Chic

Dumbwit Tellher

It's Great to Be Home

A 'Lil Welsh Rarebit

Department of the Interior

Sanity Fair

Kara's Blog

If you haven't checked out these wonderful blogs before, be sure to do so this weekend! As for me, I plan on getting some things done around the house before some dear friends come for a visit next weekend (and my in-laws the weekend after!).

OetA Update: I can't believe I was so remiss as to fail to thank Kitty over at Organic Orgy and Shindigs & Soirees for the Kreative Blog Award! My (rather pitiful) excuse is that I was traveling all week and it's rattled my brain a bit, but believe me, the honor is very much appreciated, Kitty!

Personality Jewelry - Earrings Pictures

Faux Earrings
Why Clip Earrings
Colorful Feather Earrings
Oprah's Winning Earrings Style
Use Earrings to Express Your Personality

Get the Look of the Emmys – for Less

It's always fun to watch the red carpet arrivals for events like the Emmys. This year was no exception, with some beautiful starlets dazzling in gorgeous gowns and delectable diamonds. But what a lot of women may not realize that the jewelry styles you see on your favorite silver screen actress are readily available in the form of CZ jewelry. In fact, many retailers create celeb inspired CZ jewelry that is a near replica of what you saw on TV. Here's what was hot this year:
Chandelier earrings – Starlets like Leighton Meester, Heidi Klum and Mila Kunis complimented their dresses with drops that were quite noteworthy, albeit quite pricy as well. However, you can achieve the same wow factor with cubic zirconia jewelry accented with colorful crystals and set in gold or silver tone.

Giant gems – The ever awe-inspiring Drew Barrymore hit a fashion high note in a gorgeous blush colored floor length gown. She sported megawatt shine with several carats in each ear. To get this look, simply try cubic zirconia jewelry with statement stones. The clarity and resilience of cz jewelry is unparalleled, even to diamonds.

Cuff bracelets – Beauties Kate Walsh and January Jones paired fabulous cuffs with very different looks. The former Grey's Anatomy star accented a Grecian cut with a thick cuff, while the Mad Men actress added simple sparkle to a gown with a geometric neckline. Both of these ladies were fashion winners in our book, as they let the cut of the dress be the center of attention, and chose to keep the accessories simple and understated. To imitate their style, check out cubic zirconia jewelry with smaller stones set closely together. Cubic zirconia is also great for adding some glam to a tried and true ensemble which requires an extra boost.

Fashion jewelry blog

Ammonites of Madagascar

Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals belonging to the cephalopod subclass Ammonoidea and are excellent index fossils. They are utilized by geologists and paleontologists to link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. The closest living relative of the ammonite, is not the modern Nautilus, which they somewhat outwardly resemble, but rather the octopus, squid and cuttlefish. Their fossil shells usually take the form of planispirals, although there were some helically-spiraled and non-spiraled forms (known as "heteromorphs"). They ranged from the lower Jurassic (200Ma) to the Upper Cretaceous (65.5Ma).






Ammonites provided by Panther Creek Minerals, San Antonio, Texas.


Custom handcrafted jewelry designs, visit our website.

An Ode to Zig Zags

Mary McDonald

It's no secret that I have a strong affinity for bold colors and bold prints -- and maybe it's just because that, like a toddler, I require a lot of visual stimulation (though I'd like to think that it's more attributable to an appreciation for bold, cutting edge design). Lately though, I'm increasingly drawn to zigzag patterns and I suddenly feel like I'm seeing it everywhere, be it in the form of a Missoni print throw, a Madeline Weinrib zig zag rug, or even just a fun pillow or seat cushion.

Erinn Valencich

In soft neutrals, the zigzag wallpaper in this bedroom by Erinn Valencich is more subtle, adding dimension with a subtle layering of pattern.

Jamie Drake

I'm of the belief that a touch of Missoni's iconic zigzag print works beautifully in just about every situation. Here, Jamie Drake's blend of zigzags, blue paisley and blue stripes on the sofa is absolutely masterful. Drake may be known in the design world as the King of Color, but he may also deserve the dual crown of the King of Pattern for this room. The green in the zigzag print also references in the neatly upholstered green chair.

Mary McDonald

I think this bathroom featured in domino earlier this year must be one of the most widely circulated images in the design blogosphere. Nevertheless, it's worth posting here yet again -- note how the varying thickness of the zigzags creates a more organic and less structured feel.

Lee Kleinhelter

Just before Cottage Living folded, it did a spread on the home of Lee Kleinhelter, the owner of the Atlanta-based boutique Pieces, and it was certainly a fitting swan song for the magazine. I loved just about all the rooms featured in the spread but the living room's bold yellow and white zigzag floor is an arresting focal point for the space. The bold modern pattern is contrasted nicely with the organic wood coffee table.

Jonathan Adler

There are a lot of things I love about Jonathan Adler's design for Liz Lange's Westchester, New York, home (see HERE for more images), but the zig zag rugs in the living and dining rooms might just be my favorite elements in the design. The black and white is such a fun, graphic contrast to the pops of yellow and turquoise.

Miles Redd

Like the Mary McDonald pictures shown above, this Miles Redd bedroom has made its way around the blogosphere many, many times by now, but it's such a wonderful example of how to incorporate a modern zigzag motif into a traditional room. The graphic zigzags are bold counterpoints to the delicate and intricate wallpaper and ethereal bed. For me, this room is quintessential Miles Redd: a brilliant mix of chinoiserie, traditional furnishings and cutting edge patterns and colors.

Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely

Another successful example of incorporating Madeline Weinrib's Zig Zag rug into a space is Nicole's lovely mid century modern-inspired living room. In contrast to Miles' room, the zigzag is the dominant motif here. The streamlined furniture is kept neutral in tone and the subtle pink walls enhance the pinks in the rug without competing with it.

And of course, I can't help but end my homage to all things zigging and zagging with a roundup of my favorite zig zag accessories (and stationery!):

Sourcelist (clockwise from top left): Las Olas Lamp from Emilia Ceramics ($185); zig zag notepad and zig zag stationery from Linda & Harriet ($12-$14); Chevron Stripe calling cards from pixelimpress ($22/set of 50); East village fabric from Rubie Green ($90/yard); ZigZag rug from West Elm ($39-$649); ZigZag pillow from TwinkleLiving ($50); East Village bedding from Rubie Green ($54-$239); and Aubergine Zig Zag rug from Madeline Weinrib.

Revival: Old Hollywood Glam

For all the ladies that love a classic black and white movie and the pin up girls of eras past, you can breathe easy knowing that these trends have come full circle, experiencing a revival on the runways and the pages of respected fashion magazines. The best thing about this trend is that you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve effortless chic glamour.

Vintage looks are a welcome break from the hit and miss trends that are in one day and out the next. Plus, with vintage, you can find pieces in thrift stores, at flea markets and even in your mother’s and grandmother’s closets. Vintage jewelry is especially fun to wear and play dress up with.CZ jewelry has been around for many years, but we are just now witnessing resurgence in the form of statement necklaces, bodacious bracelets and signature cocktail rings. These pieces are fun to wear and they look just as great at the office as they do on a date or a night out with the girls. There aren’t too many accessorizes that can be worn with both jeans and a LBD, but cubic zirconia jewelry fits the bill.

To achieve an authentic vintage look, may we suggest classic shapes that are well made and have great attention to craftsmanship. For example, art deco Cubic zirconia jewelry is a hot seller. This is especially due to the fact that celebs like Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett have recently been spotted rocking this Old Hollywood style glam. Now you can get their look with CZ jewelry that looks just as beautiful, but doesn’t cost nearly as much.

Try adding CZ bracelets to a classic sheath (think Mad Men style). Throw on a pair of pumps and some red lipstick and you’re good to go. Retro glam is back and we couldn’t be happier!

Frugal and Fabulous Jewelry for fall

Being fashionable doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to spend a lot to do so. In fact, some of the biggest trend setters in Hollywood – like Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker – like to mix and match high end and low end pieces to create unique looks that are coveted by many. They’ll take a designer skirt and pair it with a thrift store tee. Now, you can take a cue from these savvy shoppers as you try out the latest gemstones for fall – in the form of CZ jewelry, sterling silver jewelry and jewelry sets.
CZ jewelry is a great way for any fashionista on a budget to get in on what’s hot. Cubic Zirconia jewelry so closely rivals the real thing, that it’s hard to tell the difference anymore between what’s real and what’s fake. If you’ve seen a celeb jewelry style that you adore, it’s pretty likely that you’ll be able to find a replica of it in the form of cubic zirconia jewelry. It’s leading lady fashion for just a fraction of the cost.

Sterling silver jewelry works well for any season, but it’s especially popular this year. Go for bold pieces like wide cuff bracelets and chunky chains that work well with heavier fabrics. Sterling silver jewelry is affordable to own, makes a great gift and will work for many seasons to come. Many women have sterling silver jewelry that is engraved. Functional and fashionable, sterling silver jewelry is a must-have accessory staple.

Jewelry sets are a fabulous find this fall. From casual cool to dress up chic, jewelry sets help you to create a pulled together look that is perfectly polished. Most often, you’ll find that jewelry sets some with bracelets and pair of earrings, which is great because you always have the option to wear one or the other. Plus, you can mix and match with other pieces in your jewelry box for even more possibilities.

Spotting the Fake

[OetA Update: Contrary to the poll results, the authentic, licensed chair is actually Chair #1! I suspect most folks were confused by the exposed screws on the rockers of Chair #1.]

Time for a little quiz. What's the difference between these two chairs?

One, is an authentic reproduction of the Eames molded plastic rocking chair and retails for $479 at DesignWithinReach. The other is an inexpensive knockoff from Target, the purveyor of cheap chic, and retails for $180.99.

So which is which? Can you tell the difference? If not, would you consider purchasing the Target version or do you feel strongly about avoiding knockoffs?

poll by twiigs.com

Jetsetting

This week I'm traveling to and from Princeton, New Jersey, for work so I'll be a bit out of touch until Friday. In the meantime, should my posting and/or commenting be sporadic, feel free to blame my day job, which has recently been encroaching on my blogging time. That said though, I'm working on some killer content that I hope to have up by midweek and I'll be guest blogging over at A 'Lil Welsh Rarebit on Friday.

Bead Shopping Hints – Part II

As a follow-up, here are some helpful hints and guides to bead shopping at all the shows!! Good luck and enjoy!

1) So when will bead shows be in your area? Check the sites of your favorite venders they often list what shows they attend through-out the year.

2) Set a budget as to what you will spend; this may be determined by stock you are out of and some left over for purchases of specialty items.

3) Bring a couple of checks, plenty of cash and your credit cards just in case you run into someone who doesn’t take one or the other.

4) Be sure to bring a copy of your Tax ID certificate and business cards. Some shows are known as wholesale only and will require these items for entrance. If it is a public show, don’t be afraid to ask the vendors for a wholesale discount and provide both these items to them to get a discount.

5) Make a list of items you are out of; these will be the first things to look for at the show. If I know that I’ll be buying from previous vendors, I’ll group those items together on the list for ease.

6) I also make a list of items I am looking for and want; it could be stones or pendants I’ve seen online or a combination of colors in another design. This helps to keep the ‘impulse’ buying down by knowing what you are looking for and can afford.

7) Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bag to load all your goodies into.

8) Include in your shopping bag several sizes of zip lock bags; as you find things that go together, put them in the little baggies, this makes it easy to determine why you purchased these little gems when you get home.

9) Paper and pen; I bring paper and pen to mark bead names if they are not already marked. This makes identifying much easier than guessing or having to go through the process to indentify each unknown stone or pendant.

10) Bring baby wipes for easy cleanup; looking through tons of strands of beads and boxes of findings can get a little messy and dusty.

11) Take brakes and rest, get something to eat, drink and take time to review your shopping list and bag; typically it takes an entire day to attend a bead show.

12) Last but not least; this takes willpower but walk the entire show first to see what is available, check out pricing and watch what others are buying. Many vendors have the same products and offer different discounts; look for the best quality and prices available. Make note as to vendors you want to return to for purchases of those goodies after you have finished walking the whole show.

13) Above all --- be a smart shopper and have fun!